Family Swim Guidelines
We have established the following guidelines for pool use and participation in Family Swim.
Family Swim is for with a McGaw YMCA family membership with children ages 6 months-13 years.
Reservation is by family (up to 5 family members). Only one adult age 18+ from your household should make a reservation in McGaw Y MindBody. Reservations can be made up to seven (7) days in advance. Space is limited.
Only 1 reservation is allowed a week per household due to popular demand.
Only family members who live in your household and are on your McGaw Y Family membership will be allowed to swim during your reservation.
Families are allowed inside and on deck 5 minutes prior to the start of their time block.
During Family Swim time, the pool will be split with safety ropes to mark drop off areas in the middle and deep end of the pool. All families should remain on their side of the pool. All swimmers under age 14 must pass a swim test before they can swim past the first safety rope (see below).
While in the water, all youth must be accompanied by an adult age 18+ who is listed on the Family membership.
- One adult must be in the water for every 3 children.
- One adult must be at arm's length of children who have not passed the swim test.
Bring your own towel. Towel service is not available.
Baskets are available on the pool deck for your personal belongings.
Swim belts are available for swimmers ages 2.5-5 years old.
Families may bring their Coast Guard approved floatation devices.
Noodles and personal toys may be used at the discretion of the lifeguard.
Once the lifeguard blows one long whistle the time block is over. Please exit the pool promptly.
Members and guests are required to follow the YMCA Code of Conduct.
Report any issues directly to deck supervisor.
Swim Test Policy for Youth Open Swim & Family Swim
Youth who are age 13 and under are required to take the swim test consisting of the following elements before using the pool. For Family Swim, this applies to youth who are under age 13 and under who want to swim past the first safety rope.Â
- The youth must swim the length of the pool (25 yards from the shallow end to the deep end) on their stomach.
- They must demonstrate basic technique of front crawl or breaststroke with the ability to put their face in the water.
- Then they must climb out, jump in the deep end, and fully submerge themselves.
- Finally, they must be able to tread water or float on their back for 30 seconds.
- The lifeguard has final discretion on passing grade.
- Upon successfully passing the deep-water swim test, youth are given a bracelet that is returned at the end of Family Swim.
- Youth who are 13 years old and under must complete the swim test each time they come to the pool for Youth Open Swim and Family Swim.
Aquatics Center Guidelines
We have established the following guidelines for pool use and participation in swimming programs and activities.